The New England Patriots have their latest wideout target available on a silver platter in free agency: Cooper Kupp.
Kupp, who spent eight seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, was released by the organization on Wednesday.
The initial plan was for Los Angeles to find a trade suitor, but with that plan presumably failed, the Rams pivoted and parted ways with the Super Bowl LVI MVP.
For the first time in Kupp’s career, he’ll sport a different uniform and, among the candidates in need of a wideout upgrade, stand the Patriots.
New England failed time and time again, tossing its interest cap toward wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley and Chris Godwin — who signed a three-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason.
The organization hasn’t hit the brakes with Kupp’s arrival to the open market and, according to Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi, the Patriots “reached out,” however, Kupp’s asking price is “insane.”
It’s unclear what constitutes as “insane” in the eyes of the Patriots, but the team hasn’t held back from undergoing a spending spree this offseason.
New England reportedly added Milton Williams (to a $104 million contract), Carlton Davis ($60 million), Harold Landry ($43.5 million) and Robert Spillane ($37.5 million), among others.
So money hasn’t been the issue. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer highlighted the team’s interest in free-agent left tackle Cam Robinson, claiming the 29-year-old’s “spotty” reputation has left New England hesitant and on edge.
First-year head coach Mike Vrabel has emphasized building a locker room culture that translates to the franchise’s overarching goals.
During Vrabel’s introductory press conference, culture was a major talking point and with a sophomore quarterback in Drake Maye, a No. 4 selection in April’s 2025 NFL Draft and a new-look roster, the Patriots have a plan.
They don’t intend to jeopardize the next chapter under Vrabel’s tenure and are carefully examining every possible option before handing out a payday.
Presumably, this is the case with Kupp. The Patriots are interested, but there’s a limit.
Kupp, who will turn 32 years old in June, comes with concerns attached.
It’s been four years since the last time Kupp played a full season, and during his final campaign with the Rams, Kupp suffered a high ankle sprain against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2.
He finished the season logging 12 appearances, totaling 710 receiving yards with six touchdowns, performing up to a shade of his prime self.
Vrabel suggested during Thursday’s press conference at Gillette Stadium that the organization isn’t going to rush into any pursuits this offseason.
“We don’t to be reckless through this process,” Vrabel said, per MassLive’s Karen Guregian. “We want to be very intentional with the people we bring on this football team. And we’ll continue to target all of those needs that we feel like, and the players that can help us.”
Kupp certainly fits the mold as a player who can help elevate the Patriots. He’s experienced, relatively young and eager for a bounceback campaign while New England, too, is in search of a bounceback campaign of its own.
Kupp has spent the past near-decade establishing himself as one of the league’s most elite targets and helped Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford cement his Hall of Fame resume with his first Super Bowl title.
The Patriots, if invested in recruiting Kupp, won’t be alone. New England will be one of several teams aiming to sign Kupp this offseason to upgrade is offensive arsenal.